The Super Eagles of Nigeria face a must-win clash against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein, on Tuesday night.
Nigeria kept their qualification hopes alive on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, courtesy of substitute and new Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Tolu Arokodare. However, Éric Chelle’s men still face a daunting task, trailing Bafana Bafana by six points with just three games remaining.
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Group C Battle Heats Up
With nine points left to play for, Nigeria sit third with 10 points from seven games — behind South Africa (16 points) and Benin (11 points).
A defeat in Bloemfontein would almost certainly end the three-time African champions’ hopes of securing an automatic World Cup ticket, while even second place does not guarantee progression under CAF’s new qualification rules.
Hugo Broos’s South Africa have been in fine form, winning all their home matches so far in qualifying, including victories over Benin, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho. Bafana are unbeaten at home against Nigeria since 2013, a record that boosts local optimism ahead of Tuesday’s showdown.
Coaches and Leaders Speak
Nigeria’s head coach Éric Chelle insists his side must rise to the occasion.
“We came here to play for the three points. Rwanda was tough, but this match is crucial if we are to put ourselves back in contention.”
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, meanwhile, called for focus and humility as his side looks to revive its campaign.
“We defeated South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations, but that is in the past. Our approach will be devoid of arrogance, we will play with level heads and go all out for victory. Our objective has not changed: we want to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.”
What’s at Stake
South Africa (1st, 16 pts): A win keeps them firmly on course for their first World Cup appearance since 2002 (as qualifiers).
Nigeria (3rd, 10 pts): Victory narrows the gap to three points and keeps qualification hopes alive.
Kickoff
The match kicks off at 6pm local time (5pm Nigeria) at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.
